James Carver backs Henry Bolton's bid to become UKIP leader

West Midlands UKIP MEP James Carver has today announced he is backing international security expert Henry Bolton as his party’s next leader.

With 10 candidates now standing for the role following the resignation of Paul Nuttall, Mr Carver said he believed UKIP would be in “safe hands” with the former policeman and army intelligence officer at the helm.

He said: “Henry, who was awarded the OBE for his services to international security in 2013, has, by far, the best credentials, vision and understanding to restructure the party, represent the views of members and ensure UKIP is viable with moderate ideals and broader domestic policies which will capture support and engage the electorate post Brexit.

“He has shown, by virtue of his experience, as having the skills necessary to pull the party together after support fell away in the June snap General Election.”

A leading expert on international police reform and border controls, Mr Bolton was a police officer for the Thames Valley force for eight years and received an award for outstanding bravery.